I like to write a short update to parents / carers at the start or end of each term – 6 per year. This is placed on our Facebook accounts and placed on all websites for all schools within The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT). Recently, we have received some very good news with regard to capital funding – please see below. We are also predicting some very good outcomes this summer for our children. Two new primary schools have joined the Trust and student numbers are strong. We are doing well. We continue to focus on improving facilities and getting excellent results for all students and families who are part of our Trust.

As you will be aware, our Trustees formally agreed for St Anne’s and Castle Batch primary schools to join The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT) back In February – both schools are in WSM. I am pleased to say that on April 1st both Castle Batch and St Anne’s became academies and formally joined our group, of now, 4 academies. Total student numbers are now at 2,387. It is planned that The King Alfred School, Highbridge (TKAS) and Pawlett Primary (nr. Bridgwater) join TPLT during 2018-19 – at that stage student numbers will be at 4,723. Clearly, staffing is now well above the 250-mark. Through having over 250 employees we have published our gender pay gap figures. We will continue to work on reducing any gender pay gap. However, I am very, very pleased to see we were well below the national average.

Both St Anne’s and Castle Batch are excellent primary schools. Both will bring much to the Trust and both will greatly assist with our transition programmes. A warm welcome to St Anne’s and Castle Batch schools and all parents / carers, staff, governors and children. The TPLT key aims are simply remembered by GO PLT; great Governance, great Outcomes, great People, Limited Growth and Team Building. All are equally important but, rest assured, we are absolutely focussed on outcomes for our children in our community – all 3,397 of them.

One of the reason why we are a MAT is to ensure that we are financially strong and can continue to provide our children with first class facilities. Some very good news, last week was the announcement of the national Condition Improvement Fund bids. This is an annual bidding process direct to central government for capital projects. The Trust received around £1,500,000 to spend on specific capital projects. I think I am right is saying that only 34% of bids were successful in this round. Well done to Martin Kerslake (our Chief Financial Officer) and all those involved with these lengthy and time-consuming bids. Clearly, we were again very successful.

This funding award is in addition to the current work which is ongoing at PCSA and also in addition to the WCSA new toilet project – ‘Water World’ which starts this summer.

The only unsuccessful bid was for further improvement to the WCSA roofs – this was for £952,056.00 – this will be appealed. We are very hopeful of success. WCSA had significant funding last year for roofing.

So – we are very pleased. We were also very pleased to see PCSA full with new starters at 300 new Year 7s for next year (there were 370 first choice applications) and Worle increased by 9% to be at 282 in the new Year 7 – great news.

Predicted results in our 11-16 secondary schools for this coming August are very, very encouraging. Staff and students in all years continue to work very hard and make good progress. As you will know we have introduced a modular curriculum system and simple homework routines are in place. It is worth noting again that we are now working towards a 5-year programme of learning involving 19 Learning Cycles at 11-16 level. Principals and school teams have communicated this approach at some curriculum evenings last month. Please be aware we have added a Director of Maths (Mrs. Goddard-Lock) and a Director of Science (Miss Criddle) to work across all schools in the Trust. During T5 and 6 we will continue to work on aligning our systems and processes. This will be especially true about what happens in the classroom and with our modular approach to the delivery of the curriculum. Groups of staff are already working on bringing together a classroom model and behaviour approaches in the secondary phase. Primary and secondary staff are already working together on transition. This type of work is a big part of being part of a MAT. There is no point to this work unless we focus it strongly upon student outcomes.

As always, can I encourage you to follow our schools on Twitter or on Facebook. However, can I please ask you to contact schools directly by e-mail if you need further information or have particular issues to discuss with our school leaders. We pride ourselves on getting back to parents / carers very quickly. Again, thank you for your support in this matter – social media is not the place to ask for answers to specific issues. Staff contact details are on TPLT website and on the individual school websites.

Jeffrey said: “Jill was a very very fine lady with a wonderful career ahead of her, and it touches me that she hasn’t been forgotten and that so many people are here today to remember this great lady, because she deserves remembering. She was very special indeed.”

Pabalum Catering, Big Worle, Gould Signs, and PACE were some of the local organisations that helped out with the Centre.

The Priory Learning Trust - Term 3 – February 2018

An update from Mr. Coles – Executive Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am delighted to announce that this week our Trustees formally agreed for St Anne’s and Castle Batch primary schools to join The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT). Both are excellent primary schools within our town. Both will bring much to the Trust and both will greatly assist with our transition programmes in particular. A warm welcome to St Anne’s and Castle Batch schools and all parents / carers, staff, governors and students. Therefore, from April, there will be four schools within our Trust and, as such, there will be 3,397 children within TPLT family. The TPLT key aims are simply remembered by GO PLT; great Governance, great Outcomes, great People, Limited Growth and Team Building. All are equally important but, rest assured, we are absolutely focussed on outcomes for our children in our community – all 3,397 of them.

Next term is a crucial term as teachers and support staff will put in place even more support for all our students who are taking exams this summer. I hope you will understand that Year 11s take absolute priority for a period of time. We have introduced even more 1-1 support at Year 11 level this year, including some additional home tutoring support for some students. Predicted results for this coming August are very, very encouraging. Staff and students in all years continue to work very hard and make good progress. The modular curriculum system has now been established and very simple homework routines are in place. We are now working towards a 5-year programme of learning involving 19 Learning Cycles. Principals and school teams are communicating this approach at some curriculum evenings next month. Please be aware we have added a Director of Maths (Mrs. Goddard-Lock) and a Director of Science (Miss Criddle) to work across all schools in the Trust. They have been especially focussed on more able students. This support is in line with our Trust aim to ensure ‘no student is left behind’ and all student make great progress from their starting points.

On Thursday, March 1st we will know exact numbers of new students joining the Trust this coming September. We already know that PCSA’s first choice applications are up by 9% and WCSA’s first choice applications are up by 14%. This is very good news and will allow the Trust and its schools to continue to be financially strong. One of the reasons to form a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) is to protect our schools in turbulent financial times.

TRAIN AS A TEACHER ?

10 places now filled.

10 additional staff members will be working across the Trust next year …

Can you assist in publicising this opportunity?

The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT) Teaching School Alliance has a further 23 teacher training places for September 2018.

Again, can I encourage you to follow our schools on Twitter or on Facebook. However, can I please ask you to schools directly by e-mail if you need further information or have particular issues to discuss with our school leaders. We pride ourselves on getting back to parents / carers very quickly. Again, thank you for your support in this matter – social media is not the place to ask for answers to specific issues. Staff contact details are on TPLT website and on the individual school websites.

Thank you for your continued support of The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT). Both Priory and Worle break for the end of Term 3 this coming Friday, February 9th. We return on Monday, February 19th for Term 4.

Olympic hopeful quizzes her gold medal winning hero James Cracknell during the official opening of a new state-of-the-art school reception.

30 January 2018

Worle Community School Year 8 student Olivia Finch, aged 13, has been interviewing Olympic Gold Medal winner James Cracknell in her ambition to be in the Olympics and as a human biology scientist.

The ambitious student has been winning her own gold medals in swimming – with her latest medal a Gold in the 50m butterfly in a Bristol competition.

Her interview happened during the opening of WCSA’s new state-of-the-art reception. It is the latest exciting development at the Academy which is part of The Priory Learning Trust.

Olivia, who reported on the launch for the Jill Dando News Team, plans to be a scientist after realising the effect of muscles, fitness and exercise on the human body during her swimming competitions.

She has won top girl in a swimming gala 13 year olds, and swims for Weston in the County Competitions, as well as Hockey for WCSA.

James told her this week a range of tips to encourage Olivia to a lifetime of success.

Principal Jacqui Scott said: “Olivia is an excellent student with big ambitions and was able to glean some top tips from an Olympic champion. This new reception looks excellent.”

Executive Principal of The Priory Learning Trust Neville Coles said: “James Cracknell went down extremely well and was brilliant with the students. We are delighted to see such a fabulous reception now officially open for use.

“The fantastic work done by Mark Antoine as the new Academy Business Manager at Worle is first rate – the site is now looking great. We aim next year to provide even better toilets and in the medium term to seek funding to further improve Worle sporting facilities.”

The Priory Learning Trust - Term 2 – December 2017

An update from Mr. Coles – Executive Principal

TRAIN AS A TEACHER? – full bursary
The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT) Teaching School Alliance has secured 33 teacher training places for September 2018.
Train as a teacher from September 2018?
Please do contact us at TPLT.

As we approach the Christmas break, I thought it would be a good opportunity to provide a short update from The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT). Can I also take this chance to wish everyone a very happy Christmas holiday and a hugely prosperous new year in 2018. Thank you, as parents / carers, for your support of TPLT’s staff over this last term.

There has been much to celebrate in our schools this term. All this good news is highlighted in our termly magazine / newsletters; these will be with you during the course of this next week. However, I’d encourage you to follow our schools on Twitter or on Facebook; there have been many really great things happening. Facebook and Twitter (although not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’) do allow us to showcase daily the many great positive examples of the work and actions of our students, teachers and support staff at both of our schools. There really is a great deal to be very proud of, such as the great charity work ongoing at both PCSA and WCSA. Thank you for your support of Ataxia UK and MacMillan Cancer Support this term. Can I stress that you can contact the schools directly by e-mail if you need further information or have particular issues to discuss with our school leaders. You can also come direct to me if you need quick answers. We pride ourselves on getting back to parents / carers very quickly. Again, thank you for your support. Staff contact details are on TPLT website and on the individual school websites.

Currently, there are two schools within TPLT; the 11-16 schools at Priory (PCSA) and at Worle (WCSA). In April 2018 two primary schools, Castle Batch and St Anne’s will be joining the Trust. We are already working very closely with Mrs. Dupras (Headteacher at Castle Batch) and Mrs. Dadds (Headteacher at St Anne’s). In April both schools will add ‘Academy’ to the title of the school. There will be no changes to their culture. Both schools are already aligned very closely with our ethos of putting STUDENTS and CHILDREN FIRST. Both of these partner schools have had very positive OfSTED reports this term – our congratulations. Plans are now well advanced for this significant legal change for both primaries to join TPLT. Going forward, we will be finding ways for our teachers and support staff from primary and secondary schools to work even more effectively together. It is, for us, about outcomes and making learning more effective for both staff and students. Therefore, from April, there will be four schools within the Trust and, as such, there will be over 3,000 children with TPLT family. TPLT focus is simply remembered by GO PLT; great Governance, great Outcomes, great People, Limited Growth and Team Building. All are equally important but, rest assured, we are absolutely focussed on outcomes for our children in our community. We are in a strong position financially. You will be able to see our most recent accounts on TPLT website in the very near future. One of the driving forces for becoming a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) was to try to maintain strong finances in tough times for school funding. I am delighted to report that we have record numbers of students / parents choosing our schools next year. There is a 14% increase in first choices for Worle and another amazing 9% increase at Priory! I hope this is a reflection of the great work of the Trust and the schools have done in this last year. For example, we have opened the new Spencer Science Centre at PCSA and the new Jill Dando Centre at WCSA. The new reception block at Worle is now fully open – this makes a huge difference. We are very passionate about developing facilities. We have again submitted to the Department for Education several significant capital bids to further improve the amenities at our schools. We will know in May if we have been successful; we have a great track record. Already planned and funded are the new developments at PCSA. From February – October 2018, the old science block is being renovated into 8 ‘state-of-the-art’ classrooms. Furthermore, the restaurant is being extended ready to welcome 300 new students this coming September. We will also be extending the bike sheds in 2018-19 – the number of students now cycling to school is remarkable and this should be further encouraged.

Lastly, a brief note about The King Alfred School (TKAS), Highbridge. It is likely that TKAS will become part of TPLT in 2018 – it is an 11 – 19 school. We are currently working with this school and making really good progress. Highbridge is about 20 minutes from W-S-M. Sixth Form outcomes at TKAS are truly excellent in terms of progression to some of the top UK universities. Whilst we have always made sure all our students have opportunities to visit local colleges and schools we have not really had TKAS Sixth on our ‘radar’. Clearly, it is now. I can only say how impressed I was with the destination data and the facilities. We will now arrange visits to TKAS Sixth for our students at both WCSA and PCSA who might want a school-based 6th form experience. I know that many parents over the years have asked me about a Priory / Worle 6th Form option. Parents / students interested might like to initially contact the Head of Sixth Form at TKAS – jgaskell@kingalfred.somerset.sch.uk. We will provide more opportunities for students and parents to visit TKAS in 2018. We will be looking at transport options in 2018.

As always, please do have a look at our website for more details about The Priory Learning Trust (PLT) - www.priorylearningtrust.org.uk or contact me directly by e-mail. Our pledge is a quick reply and a first-class service.

Thank you for your support – please do feel free to contact me at any time.

The Priory Learning Trust - Term 1 – October 2017

As we come towards the end of Term 1 I thought it was time for an update. It has been a busy, but very productive six weeks; things are moving quickly in a good way. Staff and students will break at Priory and at Worle next week for a 2-week Autumn break. We will be repeating this in 2018-19.

The good news is that we will probably have six schools within our Trust by April 2018. As you may know, at present we have PCSA and WCSA within the Trust. Two local primary schools, St Anne’s and Castle Batch have also asked to join us; I am pleased to say that the Academy orders are now in place for both these excellent schools to join. We have also been asked to sponsor The King Alfred School at Highbridge and the primary school in Pawlett. A family of six schools will make a strong unit going forward. It will involve around 4,500 children and 700 staff. We will then be able to further add to site improvements and make a real difference to families in our region. I am a very big believer in creating pleasant learning environments and the sites at both Priory and Worle look very clean and tidy with excellent signage – they hopefully make both students and staff want to work and learn at our schools.

There are many advantages in working as a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) but the main focus must always be to improve the quality of teaching and to gain even better results for our children. I am delighted to see GCSE results remaining very strong at Priory this last year. Priory was again the very top school in WSM, by some way, for the Grade 4 + English and Maths score. Almost 70% of students at Priory gained a 4+ in both maths and English. This is the measure that gets students into College and into local Sixth Forms – more below about that! Worle improved by a massive 14% and had 62% 4+ with English and maths – the second best in WSM by about 10%. We are working on the 5+ figures and the new ‘Progress 8’. Results are robust at both schools. Priory has consistently had around 10 years of great results and Worle is coming up strongly. Let’s also not forget all the other super things on offer in terms of music, sport and the wider arts. Both new Principals (Miss Scott and Mrs. McBride) are doing a great job.

Fundamentally, both schools in Worle (WCSA and PCSA) now provide a really good education for our children – this is a really virtuous thing to be able to say – we are very proud of our students, staff and community.

We have held open community events at both PCSA and WCSA this term for potential new parents carers. All were welcomed warmly and I hope everyone went away thinking good things – the feedback to me has been very positive. New parents need to choose a secondary school by the end of October. It benefits us all at both schools if Priory and Worle are full at Year 7 level – so I hope you can spread the good news. Should current parents wish to visit please do let me know. You will see that the fantastic new Spencer Science Centre (2.4million) is now fully open at Priory. We will be opening a new reception area at Worle in November of this year. Both developments are really good for the students and staff. Over the course of the next 12 months we will continue the re-roofing of Worle – not something that is easy to see but vital! We will improve the restaurant facilities at Priory as this school will take in 300 students for the first time in September 2018; the ‘old science block’ will be re-modelled to accommodate new students. Clearly, we will continue to make strong capital bids. These bids are made stronger by us being together as part of a small family of schools.

I am delighted to announce that we have secured 33 teacher training places for 2018-19. We have a Teaching School Alliance based at Priory and this works across all our schools. All of these places are salaried to train as a teacher – 29 secondary places and 4 primary places. This will allow us to have an additional 33 members of staff working across our schools free of charge! This will greatly add to our ability to create smaller class sizes and offer great 1-1 teaching. At the end of the programme we will also hopefully to able to choose the very best of these trainees to work with our children in our schools. So, if you know anyone who wishes to train as a teacher from September 2018 please do contact us at The PLT. This is really significant for the future great results at both Priory and Worle.

It is a very good time to join either school – our children will continue to benefit from small class sizes and we will continue to be able to recruit the best teachers in the South West.

Lastly, a brief note about The King Alfred School (KAS) in Highbridge. This is about 20 minutes from WSM. It is likely that this school will also join us in April 2018. We are supporting KAS at present. I recently attended the Sixth Form evening at KAS, which was really well delivered. The Head of Sixth Form is a charismatic man called Jonathan Gaskell. The Sixth Form is currently around 100 students. Outcomes are truly excellent in terms of progression to some of the top UK universities. Whilst we have always made sure all students have opportunities to visit local colleges we have not had KAS Sixth on our radar. Clearly, it is now. I can only say how impressed I was with the destinations and the facilities. We will now arrange visits to KAS Sixth for our students at both WCSA and PCSA who might want a school based 6th form experience. I know that many parents over the years have asked me about a Priory 6th Form. In some ways it is now likely to be ‘based’ at KAS and this will be the 6th form option within The PLT. Even at this stage please do contact myself or Mr. Gaskell for a talk or a private visit - jgaskell@kingalfred.somerset.sch.uk.

As always, please do have a look at our website for more details about The Priory Learning Trust (PLT) - www.priorylearningtrust.org.uk or contact me directly by e-mail. Our pledge is a quick reply and a first class service.

Thank you for your support – please do contact me at anytime and please do visit.

Key Information about The Priory Learning Trust

PCSA students attend Big Bang science event at Bristol University

Priory Community School students attended a Big Bang science event at Bristol University with some of Britain’s biggest firms.

STEM ambassadors greeted the ambitious students and discussed their work including how they could visit and help out at Priory in the future.

BAE Systems, Hewlett Packard, SpecSavers and South West Nuclear Hub were some of the big-name firms to attend the event.

The ‘Fair’ consisted of University exhibits including research into alien life and spacecrafts while students were also encouraged to learn about the types of research that universities carry out.

Neville Coles, Executive Principal of The Priory Learning Trust which runs PCSA, said: “This was a brilliant event. We want to give students the very best in activities and experiences to help them choose high-flying careers. Maths and science are key areas.

“Students were able to work hands on with demonstrations such as making cells glow under microscopes or making bath bombs to take home, and even dismantling and rebuilding a computer.”

Hundreds turn out for Priory charity Family Fitness Day as world Olympic superstar turns up to join in the fun

12 June 2017

Families enjoyed a wide range of free sports activities at Priory Community School including dancing, gymnastics, athletics, and tennis. There was also free healthy food, a free giant bouncy castle, displays, physio appointments, a raffle, and free gym sessions at the Paula Radcliffe Centre along with cycling, rowing and ‘plank’ competitions.

James Cracknell OBE, who won two olympic gold medals in rowing, opened the event and then took part in many of the activities.

The Family Fitness Day was held to encourage families to get fit together and highlight what local clubs and sporting activities are available in the area.

The event raised hundreds of pounds for PCSA’s charity the Bone Cancer Trust.

WCSA students produce stunning choir performance to sell-out audience

TALENTED students at Worle Community School have produced a stunning performance in the Worle Youth Choir.

A sell-out packed crowd were treated to a spectacular production of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed man: A Mass For Peace, at Worle Community School.

Worle School Youth Choir and the Shine Drama Group joined Weston Choral and live orchestra Ensemble Inspirita.

This week the students were congratulated by Principal Jacqui Scott and enjoyed celebratory cake.

They produced a wonderful evening singing performance at the weekend at the school, with the audience showing their appreciation and many reduced to tears.

Based at Worle Community school, the choir is open to young singers in the area aged 13 and over and regularly sings abroad.

Miss Scott, who attended the event, said: “The students were absolutely magnificent! They produced a wonderful performances with energy, confidence and huge talent. We are very proud of them.”

PRIORY's first ever Head Teacher was back to visit his old school's new £2.5 million science centre which is being named after him

09 February 2017

By Jack Branton, aged 12

Former World War Two bomber navigator Arthur Spencer got to see the state-of-the-art 16-room Spencer Science Centre which will open in September.

The new building means that PCSA students will enjoy 12 futuristic interactive new science labs, two ICT suites, a staff workroom and office all equipped with the latest technological learning kit.

Arthur, aged 95, was the first Head of Priory some 41 years ago. Before that in World War Two he was the navigator on board the famous Lancaster Bombers.

He was back to visit the site, talk to students and hear about the latest exciting developments.

Arthur said: “I have really enjoyed coming back to Priory again where I have so many happy memories. The new science centre is going to be impressive.”

Head of School Jane McBride said: “It was so pleasing to have Arthur Spencer back to visit his old school and the incredible new science centre which is being built and named after him.”

PCSA is Ofsted outstanding and one of Britain’s best schools.

Former Worle student high flying at one of world's best animation firms responsible for Chicken Run and Shaun the Sheep

02 December 2016

A FORMER Worle Community School student is now working for one of the world’s best animation companies.

Keith Kilpin designs games, apps and websites for Aardman Animations and received official credits for his work on the highly popular Shaun the Sheep film.After studying at Worle and then Weston College, Keith received a First Class foundation degree in graphic design before landing his dream role at the Bristol-based animations firm.Aardman have made nearly £1 billion worldwide and are responsible for a string of top animations including Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run and Flushed Away.

Keith, aged 26, said: “said: “From an early age I was doodling and creating new things. I started drawing as a hobby and never stopped.

“Working at Aardman Animations is a dream come true.”

ONE TEAM: Student Leaders from PCSA and WCSA pictured together during Non-Uniform Day for charity

30 November 2016

Head boys and girls from two Weston schools join together to find and celebrate achievements of their 2500 students in new ‘Be a Hero’ campaign.

Please note that students are not wearing uniform because it was a charity non-uniform day.
Head boys and girls from two ambitious schools are working together to find and celebrate the achievements of 2500 students.Priory and Worle’s Head’s leadership teams want to let the entire community know how brilliant their students and schools are.

This week the Head Boys and Girls, and Deputy Head Boys and Girls, met together at the launch of the ‘Be a Hero’ campaign in partnership with Hutton Moor Leisure Centre. The campaign aims to find inspirational students and to tell the community about them.

PCSA is the first member of the new The Priory Learning Trust (The PLT) and it is now assisting at WCSA, bringing the sharing of ideas, resources and support together.

PCSA Head Boy Will Bailey said: “The Be a Hero campaign is a great way for us to find out all about our inspirational students and to tell the whole community about them.”

WCSA Head Girl Iona Kempton said: “Our students are doing incredible things inside and outside of school. There is a real excitement around our community about the future.”

PCSA Head of School Jane McBride said: “It was wonderful to bring both schools together with the students sharing ideas. The Be a Hero campaign is already going down extremely well.”

WCSA Head of School Jacqui Scott said: “These are exciting days ahead for all of us and it was a joy to see students already joined together helping and supporting each other with a common aim.”

NEARLY 3000 students at TPLT are becoming among the first in Britain to lead the way in getting rid of lethal disposable plastics that are wrecking lives, health and the planet

The inspiring students of PCSA, WCSA, and St Anne’s are joining staff in taking to their schools with litter pickers to blitz plastics into bins, and to rid disposable plastic from the restaurant.

The new student school teams want to answer the call from Sir David Attenborough and become a Plastic-Free-School and to help the ambitious Weston Mercury Cleaner Coastlines campaign to clean up the beach and receive Plastic-Free Coastline status.

The new school teams are already relentless in making their environments litter free.

They are now on a drive to rid the school of ‘disposable’ plastic, which is causing eight million tonnes of it is ending up in the oceans every year, killing already-endangered marine life and even ending up in the food chain.

Partnering with Pabulum which provides the restaurant and catering facilities at PCSA and WCSA, they will now get rid of plastics in the school restaurant, classrooms and offices.

The actions include:

Filling up at water fountains rather than buying bottles of water.

Getting rid of food condiments

Removing the use of plastic straws.

Children at St Anne’s Primary School are also focussing on a 10 week ‘Who Has The Power?’ campaign to demonstrate the power every child and adult has over removing plastics.

Principal Jacqui Scott of WCSA said: “We want to be a school that leads the way in this. Our students are inspiring and taking direct action to help marine life and our very planet.”

Principal Jane McBride of PCSA said: “At PCSA we are passionate about being proactive with this global issue and fully recognise the fact that we have a duty to try to leave the world a better place for everyone. Small changes can make big differences.”

Principal Lisa Dadds of St Anne’s said: “We are showing every single child the power they have to change the world. This is a strong campaign to rid the world of plastics and we can start with our school.”

The King Alfred School (KAS)

You may be aware that The Priory Learning Trust (The PLT) have been asked to work with The King Alfred School (KAS) in Highbridge.

KAS is a 11-19 schools with a sixth form that is growing rapidly.

This Thursday evening, October 5th, at 6pm there is an information at KAS about joining ‘KAS SIXTH’ in 2018.

If you have not previously looked at KAS SIXTH why not come along this Thursday to hear the KAS team talk about the results and choices that KAS can provide.

Hutton Moor and Priory Community School- lifesavers and career aspirations.

29 September 2017

A unique partnership between Priory Community School and Hutton Moor has been an enormous success.

The monthly hero awards where students are rewarded for acts of kindness at home, school and the community​ has already generated national interest, but a new project is breaking new ground while saving lives and raising aspirations.

2017′s departing year 11 students were offered FREE lifeguard training as well as paid part time work through the summer and beyond during their free time while progressing at college.

Four students participated in the unique scheme. Chloe Edgar (pictured) said “It has been great experience and I really benefit from the income during my studies at college”.

James Wilmot, Priory’s Head of Careers says “This is such a great opportunity for our students to build their employability skills while earning money and potentially saving lives! We are so grateful to Hutton Moor for the opportunity and look forward to extending the offer to students at Worle Community School this year too. This kind of experience is great for CVs as well as university or apprenticeship applications”.

Dave Somers General Manager says “It has been great to work with the students from Priory Community School on this exciting scheme. We had some very hard working students attend the courses and gain the NPLQ qualification providing them with a stepping-stone to a career as a lifeguard.

It is really important for us to engage with our younger generation and present opportunities for them to gain qualifications and valuable work experience.”

PCSA student receives England call up

06 September 2017

A PRIORY Community School student has received a call up for the England Under 18s bowls squad.

Imogen Cracknell, aged 14, has been selected for the England U18s squad against Wales at Clevedon Bowls Club on 16th and 17th September.

PCSA is a high-achieving school that also encourages its students to Dare to Dream in a wide variety of academic, sporting and performing arts pursuits.

Principal Jane McBride said: “This is a really great achievement for Imogen. She is an outstanding student who is very passionate about bowls.

‘We always try to encourage students to try new things to enrich their learning and Imogen’s sporting success epitomises that.

“We are really proud of Imogen and the school is right behind her England campaign. Go Imogen!”

YEAR 11 students from Worle Community School – an Academy - are celebrating after achieving a brilliant set of GCSE exam results.

24 August 2017

The school has seen a remarkable turnaround in fortunes from results in previous years – including a huge increase of 17% to 61% on their GCSE ‘basics’ grade 9-4 English and maths measure.

The headline measures for the percentage of students gaining grades 9-4 in English and maths is 61% and the percentage of students gaining grades 9-5 in English and maths is 36%.

Amidst a host of excellent results, some 61% of students gained a pass or above for English, 74% for English literature and 68% for mathematics, which will be recognised by colleges and employers in the future as the equivalent to the previous good grade ‘C’.

More excellent results and improvements were across the majority of subjects, including business studies, drama, design technology, French, geography, history, ICT and computing, science and Spanish.

Along with students all across England and Wales, students at WCSA sat new-style reformed GCSEs in English, English literature and mathematics, which are graded on a 9-1 scale.

Several students gained grade 9s, the highest new grade available, which shows achievement in the region of the top 1% of students nationally.

New WCSA Principal, Jacqui Scott, said: “These results are an indication of just how hard both Year 11 students and staff at Worle Community School have worked in the last year.

“I am thrilled to see the smiles on the faces of so many of our dedicated young people. I would like to wish our students every success for the next steps of their education and careers.”

Neville Coles, a National Leader in Education and the Executive Principal of both PCSA and WCSA through The Priory Learning Trust said: “It is great to see both schools in North Worle now doing so well. This year has seen significant changes in the exam system which has produced big challenges for students, staff and parents.

“We are delighted with our outcomes and we will improve again next year. It is worth remembering school is not just about exam results. We are absolutely committed to ensure that at both Priory and Worle we continue our very long tradition of sport, drama, music and trips – such activities are a very important part of what good schools do. We thank parents, carers, governors and all in our community for the great support.”

Students at Priory Community School – an Academy - are celebrating after once again producing a great set of GCSE results.

24 August 2017

Priory’s results this year for English, English literature and maths were all above the national results once again in a year which has seen the introduction of new 9-1 GCSE grades in place of the A*-G grades for these subjects.

Students have risen to this additional challenge and 68% have achieved a pass in English, 76% in English literature and 75% in maths.

Schools have new key measures to indicate their performance, based on the number of students who gain a pass in English and maths. Some 66% of PCSA students gained an English and maths pass grade 4 or above, with 33% of students gaining an English and maths pass grade 5 or above.

Success stories include Joel Crinson who gained a total of 7 grade 9 or A* grades.

Jane McBride, Principal at PCSA, said, “I am immensely proud of our students and staff. Students at PCSA know just how important these results are to their future. ”They have truly attained excellent results across the board and these are a reflection of the commitment Year 11 have shown throughout their time at Priory. They will all face a bright future with these results to back them up.”

Neville Coles, a National Leader in Education and the Executive Principal of both PCSA and WCSA through The Priory Learning Trust said: “It is great to see both schools in North Worle now doing so well. This year has seen significant changes in the exam system which has produced big challenges for students, staff and parents.

“We are delighted with our outcomes and we will improve again next year. It is worth remembering school is not just about exam results. We are absolutely committed to ensure that at both Priory and Worle we continue our very long tradition of sport, drama, music and trips – such activities are a very important part of what good schools do. We thank parents, carers, governors and all in our community for the great support.”

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Weston students to grow 'miracle outer-space super plants' without soil in first UK school hydroponics centre as part of their new £2.5 million science centre

08 June 2017

SCIENCE CENTRE: Executive Principal of The Priory Learning Trust, Neville Coles is pictured with the new Director of Science, Janet Criddle and students outside PCSA – home for their unique hydroponics facility in their new £2.5 science centre.

Weston students to grow ‘miracle outer-space super plants’ without soil in first UK school hydroponics centre as part of their new £2.5 million science centre

Some 1300 Weston students will get to enjoy a space-emulating unique super-plant-making-without-soil hydroponics centre as part of their £2.5 million new science centre.

PCSA students will have a new Spencer Science Centre complete with Britain’s first school futuristic hydroponics centre at its heart – enabling plants to be grown bigger and better without soil such as is used in space voyages.

The new centre will open in September with 12 futuristic interactive new science labs, two ICT suites, a staff workroom and office all equipped with the latest hi-tech learning kit.

The development comes as The Priory Learning Trust appointed a new Director of Science, Janet Criddle.

Executive Principal Neville Coles said: “This £2.5 million science centre will enable us to further deliver exceptional science lessons for thousands of students in the years to come.
“The icing on the cake is the hydroponic centre, which will give the students something not seen before in a UK school.”

By removing soil, plants do not work as hard to obtain nutrients, so the plant focuses more on growing upstairs instead of expanding the root system downstairs.”

The building is being named after former Head Teacher Arthur Spencer who is now 95. He was the first Head of Priory some 41 years ago. Before that in World War Two he was the navigator on board the famous Lancaster Bombers.

PCSA is Ofsted outstanding and one of Britain’s best schools.

DOZENS of 'heroes' from WCSA have been rewarded with leisure centre prizes, certificates and ice creams for their inspirational acts.

26 May 2017

DOZENS of ‘heroes’ from WCSA have been rewarded with leisure centre prizes, certificates and ice creams for their inspirational acts.

In sweltering heat, students at Worle Community School were commended by Principal Jacqui Scott and Executive Principal Neville Coles for their heroics.

The Priory Learning Trust are partnering with Hutton Moor Leisure Centre to give prizes for ‘heroes’ including family swim tickets, children’s basketball lessons, cycle workout classes, and other healthy activities.

Students have been demonstrating exceptional acts of kindness, courage, and other character and attitude traits. They have also been raising money for charity, and excelling in sport.

Jacqui said: “We are so proud of all our students. A massive well done to each and evhero1e. We love to celebrate achievement at WCSA.”

House prices are higher around PCSA and families are buying homes from outside the area in a bid to get into the school, according to estate agents.

10 April 2017

Priory Community School has become one of Britain’s best in recent years with exceptional GCSE results, OfSTED Outstanding, smaller class sizes in the upper years, brilliant facilities, sports, performing arts and music, and a host of other successes.

Now, according to the Weston Mercury this week, house prices are rising near outstanding schools such as Priory. Figures from the Department of Education show that living near a top secondary school in this area can swell house prices by as much as £16,100.

PCSA, with grades consistently in the top few per cent in Britain over the last 7 years, and with regularly 600 applications for its 240 places, has seen parents move home to get into the school.

Now The Priory Learning Trust is leading Worle School, and predicting hugely improved outcomes at WCSA this summer, meaning that both schools in North Worle will be attractive to potential parents.

WCSA, as part of The Priory Learning Trust, will also be run with the same tried and tested methods that made PCSA so high performing and successful.

OfSTED praised WCSA in December and saw it on a fast-track to become outstanding, just like its sister school.

One estate agent, Abbie Elkins of Palmer Snell Estate Agents, said: “With Priory a lot of people say they want to be near there, so that higher demand will naturally push up the price.

“A lot of people will come in and say they want to be in the Priory catchment area – probably more than any other thing. We get a lot of families moving from out of the area and say they want to be near Priory.”

WORLE Community School is on course for excellent GCSE results, just weeks after being given a positive bill of health by OfSTED bosses and joining The Priory Learning Trust.

WCSA is now using the motivational praise and student tracking, smaller class sizes and other tried and tested rigorous exam preparation and teaching methods that have secured partner school PCSA as one of the highest performing around.

In December, OfSTED inspectors praised WCSA for its safe atmosphere and fast-improving environment for learning – prompting an increase in local parent interest in putting their children into the school.

Head of School at Worle Jacqui Scott said that GCSE results are in line to be excellent this year with also significant sporting and music success in recent weeks.

She added: “With OfSTED’s very positive comments in November and significant changes inside the school, things are moving ahead in a very, very positive direction.

“We were absolutely delighted to see 260 students and families choose WCSA for a September start. We have another 20 places still left that we can fill for September.

“We have received several recent requests after parents have seen the Academy changes – we became an Academy on March 1st”

“The Worle GCSE results are in line to be excellent this summer. We are really excited about the future and, clearly, WCSA will continue to be a strong community school.

“There is now a strong imperative to improve exam results quickly and many parents have clearly seen this as a very good thing. We now have Evening School and even Saturday School underway – just like our partner school at Priory.”

The Priory Learning Trust’s Executive Principal Neville Coles, who is an OFSTED inspector and a National Leader in Education, will be leading both schools, aided by excellent Heads of Schools Jane McBride at Priory and Jacqui Scott at Worle.

Neville said: “We are delighted to have such brilliant students and staff at both schools and are very excited about the future.”

Martin Kerslake, a former National Bursar of the Year and one of Britain’s best school business leaders, is the Chief Operating Officer for the new Trust.

In recent years PCSA has become one of Britain’s best schools, earning numerous accolades, and now has some of the best education processes and teachers in the UK. It is rated by OFSTED as ‘outstanding’.

STUDENTS will be the big winners after Worle joins with the award-winning PCSA within The Priory Learning Trust from 1st March in a bid to take both schools beyond outstanding.

06 March 2017

The exciting partnership will mean both schools can get increased numbers of exceptional staff, bigger resources, smaller class sizes and even more outstanding buildings and facilities.

The Priory Learning Trust’s Executive Principal Neville Coles, who is an OFSTED inspector and a National Leader in Education, will be leading both schools, aided by excellent Heads of Schools Jane McBride at Priory and Jacqui Scott at Worle. Martin Kerslake, a former National Bursar of the Year and one of Britain’s best school business leaders, is the Chief Operating Officer for the new Trust.

In recent years PCSA has become one of Britain’s best schools, earning numerous accolades, and now has some of the best education processes and teachers in the UK. It is rated by OFSTED as ‘outstanding’.

Now both 11-16 schools will have ambitious plans to become beyond outstanding. It is likely they will also be joined in September by St Anne’s Primary School and Castle Batch Primary School.

The Chair of The PLT John Richardson said: “This is good news all around. Working together will mean even better education for all students. This is a really exciting time for students, parents and the community in Worle and North Worle.”

Neville Coles said: “We are passionate about taking all our schools to beyond outstanding in the years to come, and working together can help us to achieve this even faster. We will hope to provide smaller class sizes, more teachers and improved facilities at both Worle and Priory. Education in WSM is changing rapidly.

“We will now have a combined £16million + budget which will enable very quickly even smaller class sizes at both schools. This will lead to better exam outcomes for the students within WSM.

“Schools everywhere will be facing budget shortages in the future but we aim to stay ahead of the curve.

“For example, we hope to have 14 additional teaching members of staff joining in September adding to capacity through our Teaching School Alliance – this will add to staff – student ratios.

“Capital bids will soon be placed with the DfE at both schools under the new Trust arrangements.

“Already we are looking at bidding for a new sports hall at Worle and The Spencer Science Centre at Priory will open in September. Both will cost around £2.5 million. PCSA has an outstanding record in recent years of attracting successful capital money.“

The annual Open Evening at Priory will be in the summer term this year where Mr Coles will announce further ambitious plans for education within WSM. Worle’s Open Evening will be in early September.

The year 7 and year 8 students won through out of 18,000 entries nationally to have their work published in the ‘Wonderland-Somerset Sagas’.

The competition was organised by Young Writers, a company dedicated to running national competitions for creative writing.

Head of English, Gemma Harris, said: “This is incredible success for the students. Well done to them all and we are so proud.”

WCSA is run by the exceptional The Priory Learning Trust which also runs PCSA.

Entrepreneurial PCSA students launch book publishing company

10 April 2017

Self-starting entrepreneurial students at Priory Community School have launched their own publishing Press to get out even more of their books to the world.

By Jack Branton, aged 12

Only months after they had their first book published that stormed to the top of the Amazon charts, they have now put in place Priory Press.The five Year 10 students, Oskaar Boyce, Lewis Westcott, Ella Minty, Jacob Robins and Lewis Jarvis are all months into the project.PCSA is an entrepreneurial school that allows and encourages students to come up with their own business, organisations and creations. Two years ago student Alex Crowther set up Weston Eagles, which is growing at a rapid pace with dozens of young people volunteering to make Weston a better place to live.

PCSA Principal Jane McBride, who was once a business leader, said: “Our students are brilliant and we enjoy seeing them come up with new organisations and businesses. Well done to all involved in our new Priory Press.”

PCSA student gets letter from America as she steps up fundraising with a sponsored swim - to be done by her beloved pet dog Marley!

10 March 2017

Written by Jack Branton Aged 12 and Liam Byrne Aged 15

Makayla Nunn, aged 13, recently received a supportive letter sent from America via PCSA after winning a Heroes award at the school for her amazing work raising money for the volunteer-run charity ‘Invest in ME Research’.

Now the inspiring PCSA student has lined up her next charity fund raiser – getting her dog to swim on sitting in his boat for 20 minutes in a vet-approved sponsored swim.

Makayla, who suffers from M.E. has become one of Britain’s best fundraisers in her work raising money for the charity, and previously had done a sponsored horse walk.

This week she was interviewed by another inspirational PCSA student journalist Liam Byrne, aged 15 and pictured, who himself has had to cope with M.E.

Makayla, said: “I decided to fight the illness head on and want to keep raising money for the charity. My dog Marley is going to participate in a swimming contest and I’m so happy even he can help in the fundraising.”

A WORLE Community School student has overcome his fear of water to win prestigious swimming events and is now aiming for the 2020 Olympics.

21 February 2017

By Kieran Tasker, aged 14

George Cook, aged 13 has just achieved a range of accolades in the County Champtions at Milfield School.

He carried off 1st place in his age group for 100m butterfly, 2nd in the Junior age group for 100m butterfly, and 1st in the 200m Individual Medallion event.

The Year 9 student has been swimming since the age of 5 and is now aiming high to win the National Gold event before heading for Tokyo in 2020.

He said: “I was scared of the water for the first year but after that found it really fun and discovered butterfly when when I was 9 or 10, and then I beat my coach!”

Head of School Jacqui Scott said: “We are very proud of George and all his achievements.”

UP to 1000 students, parents, grandparents and carers were wowed by talented Priory performers this week.

14 February 2017

The inspirational PCSA students were putting on a production of the Madness inspired musical, Our House in front of packed audiences.

Some 70 Priory students were performing with the lead role going to Year 11 student Jack Evison who is now raising thousands to get to a dream acting school place on a London stage.Priory has managed to inspire world-class performers over the last few years including Jacob Fisher and Corinne Priest who have both recently gone on to the West End.

Corrine was back this week to inspire the students with a pre and post performance talk.

Head of Performing Arts Jess Hall said: “This was one of the best productions I have ever been part of. The students were magnificent and I’m so proud of all of them.”

Executive Principal Neville Coles said: “This was a show of exceptional brilliance. West End stars Jake and Corinne are a terrific example of our excellent performing arts offering at Priory.”